Investigating quantity surveying entrepreneurship: The case of Sri Lanka

The Quantity Surveying (QS) profession is under pressure and QS entrepreneurship is an area in need of further research. No explicit body of knowledge, however, has been devoted to the context of Sri Lanka. The present study aims to address this issue through exploring the key aspects of QS entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. A review of the literature was conducted, followed by a mixed approach. Six interviews were carried with industry experts using a questionnaire survey to elicit perceptions from QS. Findings provide: (1) a picture of the current QS entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, (2) problems and issues affecting it and (3) several remedial solutions to deal with the identified problems. According to the findings, the most serious problem with current Sri Lankan QS entrepreneurship is the lack of competency and an absence of IT-based and automated solutions in providing service, which make the market limited and risky in long term outlook. The study contributes to the field by unearthing the QS entrepreneurship environment in Sri Lanka, carrying implications for QS professionals, as well as policy makers.